Djed Spence's inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad raised questions and drew outright slander from rival supporters.
On the surface, it seemed a curious call. While Spence was deserving of his England call-up in September 2025, having impressed during Ange Postecoglou's second season, the full-back had struggled to even feature for a team that avoided relegation by the skin of its teeth.
But Tuchel knows what he has in Spence. A standout athlete capable of locking down the very best wide players the World Cup has to offer, some projected Spence to play a specialist role for England this summer.
Naysayers doubled down on their sceptism after his performances against Ghana and DR Congo, which drew bizarre criticism, with the most hateful of 'supporters' even decrying Spence's nonchalance in times of celebration. That's just who he is, folks. Get over it.
Anyway, the Tottenham man has started to win the majority over. One of Tuchel's heroes at the Azteca, Spence was then excellent in extra time against Norway as England booked their spot in the semifinals.
However, while a nation is coming around, Roberto De Zerbi seemingly remains unconvinced.
Tottenham reportedly make Neco Williams enquiry
#thfc have made an enquiry for neco williams.
— 📞 (@szyexcl) July 12, 2026
We learned last month that Everton are interested in Spence, while several Italian outlets have suggested that Juventus may consider a move. The Toffees are willing to pay £25m for the full-back, an offer Spurs surely wouldn't think twice about.
There's no sense that a Spence exit is imminent, but the Tottenham insiders, including @szyexcl, seem to believe that he may be allowed to leave the club this summer.
’Szy’ also reported on Sunday that Spurs have enquired about Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams, who's a full-back we simply do not need while Spence is still on our books. I don't really have anything against the perennially underrated Williams, but I'd rather we kept Spence and left the Welshman at Forest.
De Zerbi, though, seldom trusted Spence down the stretch last season, and more often utilised the defender higher up the pitch, such was our lack of quality (and available options) in attack.
Lucas Bergvall may also be a factor in regards to Williams. We know Forest are interested in the Swede, and I fear De Zerbi will cut ties with the young midfielder, who's happy to move on, if we receive a just offer from the City Ground.
There's a sense that De Zerbi isn't particularly keen on much of the youth at Tottenham's disposal, which is a concern for the club's long-term outlook. Given the Italian's track record of leaving projects unfinished, I fear that our desperate situation off the back of a frightening campaign may mean we lean too much into De Zerbi's short-termism at the expense of our future.
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